MBBF 2023: Pioneering the Future of Mobile Broadband and 5.5G Commercialisation

In collaboration with GSMA, GTI, and the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, the 14th Mobile Broadband Forum, hosted by Huawei, was held on October 10-11, 2023, at the JAFZA1 Convention Centre in Dubai, UAE. This prestigious annual event brings together ICT industry leaders across the globe to discuss the development direction of the mobile communications industry and the infinite possibilities of mobile connectivity. This year, the focus was on 5G achievements, the anticipation of 5.5G commercialisation, and strengthening the ecosystem.

The two-day event was jointly inaugurated by Ken Hu, Huawei's rotating chairman, and Mats Granryd, GSMA's director general. Both underscored the remarkable progress of 5G across various domains, from deployment and adoption to consumer and industrial applications. In just three years after its launch, 5G achieved one billion users, a milestone that took 4G six years to achieve. As of mid-2023, over 260 active 5G networks are catering to 1.5 billion users globally.

Transitioning from 4G to 5G has amplified connectivity, crafted innovative user experiences, and invigorated the digital economy. It has also played a crucial role in the evolution of Internet-of-Things (IoT) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services. It has propelled the consumer market, particularly as video applications reshape consumption patterns, boosting network traffic and revenue. Hu estimates a three-to-five-fold increase in network traffic and a 10%-25% average increase in average revenue per user (ARPU).

The surge of 5G has also ushered in over 50,000 industrial applications worldwide. Hu identified key areas where the potential of 5G can be fully leveraged, including remote control, video transmission, and machine vision. He also pinpointed industries like mining, ports, and manufacturing where 5G capabilities can be rapidly scaled. Echoing this, Granryd emphasised 5G's transformative impact across industries. GSMA’s projection is optimistic, with a surge to 5.2 billion 5G subscribers by 2030, coupled with a stronger focus on B2B use cases, as demonstrated at its Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 event in Barcelona, where 50% of participants came from outside the ICT sector, including automotive and aeronautics.

GMSA predicts that by 2028, we will experience a tripling of data consumption and that by 2030, 5G will add US$1 trillion to the global economy, benefiting all industries. The GSMA outlook suggests a promising future for network operations, emphasising innovative solutions and enhanced capabilities derived from mobile industry advancements and scalable tech solutions.

To amplify the 5G application ecosystem, GSMA has introduced its Open Gateway initiative to foster cross-industry innovation. The Open Gateway is a standard API framework offering comprehensive access to operator network capabilities. This initiative enables developers and cloud service providers to refine existing digital services and introduce new ones. Some 240 mobile operators, which account for over 62% of global mobile users, have already embraced it. "Open Gateway provides a platform for developers, hyper-scalers, and other stakeholders to optimise network capabilities, paving the way for a unified API system. It's reminiscent of what we did with roaming back in the 2G era but for APIs instead. It’s very, very exciting," remarked Granryd.

?Hu emphasised the pivotal role of an open gateway in expanding 5G opportunities across consumer and industrial sectors, including its role in supporting digital transformation. He stressed that regulating application development and the ecosystem is crucial for more innovative speed-enhancing techniques. Scalability and capability are essential for businesses, and the focus should be on pivotal industries and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Hu also highlighted the potential for integrating cloud functionality and cutting-edge AI models.

Undoubtedly, the evolution of mobile communication networks has been transformative. Initially designed to bridge conversations between individuals, mobile networks have expanded their scope to accommodate the shifting dynamics of human interaction. In the age of 5G, as our primary modes of communication transition from basic calls and texts to video-based interactions, networks must lay the groundwork for new communicative paradigms. This entails pioneering applications and services like glasses-free 3D visuals, XR interfaces, and cloud-based phone systems.

?The intrigue surrounding glasses-free 3D LED displays is undeniable. They offer users the luxury of witnessing three-dimensional visuals without needing specialised eyewear. Using state-of-the-art optical technologies and rendering divergent images based on one's viewing angle, the resultant binocular disparity creates the perception of a 3D illusion that's nothing short of spectacular. Critically, the accelerated advancements in optics, sensory equipment, dynamic eye-tracking mechanisms, and artificial intelligence are steadily mitigating traditional barriers associated with 3D visuals, such as discomfort or motion sickness. These state-of-the-art technologies ensure that users can seamlessly interact with rich, interactive 3D experiences, regardless of location.

Moreover, with the advent of platforms like Vivision, converting standard 2D footage into 3D has become almost instantaneous. This paves the way for content creators to craft rich 3D content and significantly diminishes associated production expenses. As the horizon of technological advancements broadens, we can expect the emergence of novel devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops equipped with glasses-free 3D capabilities, further democratising access to immersive interactive experiences for users worldwide.

?In the lead-up to the MBBF event, Huawei and du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), unveiled a pioneering 5G Advanced (5G-A) Villa, setting the benchmark for future smart home living with an incredible 10Gbps network. This 5G-A Villa epitomises the limitless prospects of smart living, augmented with glasses-free 3D and XR functionalities. The showcased technology is truly ground-breaking, as various household items, from TVs and picture frames to home gym equipment and laptops, projected 3D visuals without needing any auxiliary devices.

Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, highlighted that we spend an average of a third of our time in our homes. Benkirane stressed that with the rising consumer appetite for enhanced visual and interactive engagements, service providers must bolster home networks to 10 Gbps capacity. This marks a significant improvement in download speeds. Given its bandwidth, reduced latency, and high reliability, Benkirane believes 5.5G underpins the transition to an era characterised by voluminous data transfers to cloud systems, ubiquitous live streaming, and the advent of interactive holographic experiences.

Enhanced upload and download capabilities also pave the way for synchronised communication and advanced sensing, essential for the Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV), as it ensures more precise road monitoring and heightened traffic pattern insights. Projections suggest that there will be a surge in the demand for self-driving delivery vehicles in the forthcoming three to five years, potentially reaching a staggering 100,000 vehicles. Pioneering intelligent transport systems are already operating in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhengzhou. Within the 5.5G network infrastructure, high-definition live feeds from autonomous vehicles can be transmitted seamlessly, facilitating instantaneous directives.

I witnessed this first-hand at MBBF, where Huawei showcased a 5.5G-enabled coffee shop, complete with real-time inventory tracking and automatic stock replenishment, delivered by Neolix's autonomous vehicle. My experience remotely taking control of the autonomous vehicle was intriguing and nerve-wracking. Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of the company’s Carrier BG, accentuated that ground-breaking general-purpose technology has preceded every significant disruption. He stated, “We're seamlessly transitioning towards 5G commercialisation, and venturing into 5G-Advanced is the logical progression to tap into 5G's vast potential.” According to Li, the timely advent of 5.5G is poised to elevate the connectivity landscape, spanning individuals, residences, objects, vehicles, and entire industries.

?The resultant proliferation of 5G is leading to a surge in mobile traffic, with a staggering 80% originating indoors. Recognising this shift, Yang Chaobin, Board Member and President of ICT Products & Solutions of Huawei, unveiled LampSite X at MBBF, a cutting-edge 5G indoor digital solution. Yang highlighted its pivotal role in advancing digitisation. The solution features lean design, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. It can deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps, catering to the growing appetite for superior indoor digital experiences and increased digital efficiency. Places with high footfall, including shopping centres, train stations, and stadiums, necessitate enhanced digital infrastructure.

?This sentiment was echoed by Bruce Lam, CEO of Consumer, Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT). He recounted their responsibility for drone coverage during Hong Kong’s New Year celebrations, which saw half a million attendees sharing content on social media concurrently. Meeting these needs offers commercial benefits too. Lam emphasised increased loyalty of 5G users, indicating higher retention and lower attrition rates. Lam is convinced that consumers are willing to pay for enhanced experiences, and businesses aiming to provide immersive experiences to their clientele are investing in 5G.

?A fully connected manufacturer in China has set a benchmark by establishing the world's inaugural 5G-integrated factory within its domestic appliance vertical. 5G connections span 15 distinct scenarios, ensuring every production segment is flawlessly interconnected via 5G-enabled devices. This level of integration means it completes its production cycle in a mere 15 seconds. The factory has seen a twofold increase in products dispatched directly to consumers, a 50% reduction in warehouse stock levels, and a 30% cut in labour expenses. It has also enabled the manufacturer to improve quality and cost-effectiveness and create a greener, safer production environment.

?This year's Mobile Broadband Forum illuminated the importance and potential of 5.5G in catalysing these digital advancements. The discussions also highlighted the indispensable role of collaboration between industry stakeholders, governments, and consumers in realising the full potential of this next wave of technological transformation. As we stand on the cusp of a new digital age, the momentum built by 5G's global acceptance sets the stage for an even more connected, efficient, and innovative future with 5.5G.

?The evolution of mobile communication is no longer just about individuals but encompasses industries, smart cities, and the fabric of our daily lives. The continued investment in research, infrastructure, and cross-sectoral collaboration will ensure that the coming years will witness breakthroughs that redefine our understanding of connectivity, ushering in an era where digital and physical realms seamlessly integrate.

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